STRATOFLY MR3 – how to reduce the environmental impact of high-speed transportation

This paper addresses the main progresses and achievements of the H2020 STRATOFLY Project, funded by the European Commission, under the Horizon 2020 framework, specifically looking at the latest results in terms of environmental sustainability. In particular, starting from reporting the main environmental challenges posed by high-speed civil transportation, at local, regional and global levels, this paper describes the way in which the STRATOFLY MR3 vehicle, a Mach 8 waverider fueled with liquid hydrogen, promises to limit the overall environmental impact. In details, firstly, the paper describes some of the main technological improvements adopted to reduce the aircraft emission and then it reports about the status of the numerical and experimental test campaigns on the high-speed engine, showing the results achieved so far. This preliminary emission inventory allows for the evaluation of emission indexes throughout the mission profile, the verification of the compliance with the ICAO prescriptions, the estimation of the impact on air quality and climate and eventually, when necessary, the paper proposes adequate mitigation actions.